New Zealand- Kia Ora!

On January 13th, we flew from Nadi, Fiji to the land of the Kiwis.

Auckland, New Zealand: the City of Sails

 The NZ All Blacks had just won the 2011 Rugby World Cup three months prior to our visit.

Before each match, the team does a haka. A haka is a traditional Maori war dance.

 Auckland's Sky Tower

Outside Auckland, we went canyoning (hiking) through the rainforest. We also abseiled down three waterfalls. On the biggest waterfall, I was halfway down and holding my entire weight on a rope. I'm really glad the water was rushing in my face to cover a few frightful tears. 

Go hiking in a rainforest

 In NZ slang, after canyoning we were all "muddy and saturated"

 Scariest feeling ever

 Muriwai Beach

Learn to surf

 Hangi: A traditional Maori meal

This is a normal picture for us. 

Photo credit: Sam

After spending time in Auckland, we headed down to Otorohanga to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by means of underwater cave tubing. It's something else.. Personally, this was not my favorite experience because you are in the dark, 65 feet underground, and you have to jump backwards off of a ledge into freezing, cold water. However, I am glad that I can say I went through the cave. I wouldn't do it again though. 

 The cave entrance
Photo credit: Sam

This is basically the view the entire time, except for when we saw the glowworms on the 'ceiling' of the cave. 

Photo credit: Sam

Rafting! Our guide, Jordan, is on the U.S. Raft Team. 

After that excitement, we headed out to Rotorua. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, which also gives it the smell of rotten eggs. You kiiiiinda get used to it after a couple of days.. 

 Say this three times fast.. or just one time slowly. Same difference

 This is a kiwi 

 the Agrodome

 I still don't understand what event caused this sign to be needed. 

New Zealanders call this a missionary tree.

 Looking down on the tree, the branches form a cross shape. 

Meet the newest All Black!

New Zealand is a wonderful place filled with various adventures for thrill seekers. Adrenaline junkies can get an overdose of excitement with all of the activities this beautiful country has to offer.

My stats as of January 13, 2012:

3% of the world visited

• Estimated mileage: 31,387
• Been to:
• 3 continents
• 9 countries
• 6 states

Next up: Australia